Guild Wars 2 to kick off Headstart Program tomorrow

After years in development and months in beta, Guild Wars 2 is set to launch its Headstart program tomorrow. The ArenaNet-developed and NCsoft-published PC MMO will kick off the program this weekend to allow gamers who pre-ordered a chance to log in and get started on leveling their characters before the flood gates open on August 28.

Guild Wars 2 will feature player-based storylines and dynamic events, with the latter occurring in response to player activity and rewarding those who step in and lend a hand. Combat is now class free, based on timing, skill, and movement, as opposed to following class-specific patterns and leveling paths. In addition to the traditional smaller skirmishes of player versus player, Guild Wars 2 is also introducing world-versus-world encounters, where players square off in fortnight-long battles over sprawling maps.